ENGLISH
REFERENCE

raining

v.
A1 Beginner US //ˈɹeɪnɪŋ// UK //ɹˈeɪnɪŋ// rain·ing

v. falling from the clouds in small drops of water. You use this to describe the weather when it is wet outside.

v. precipitating from the atmosphere in the form of liquid water droplets. Typically used with the dummy subject 'it' to describe current meteorological conditions.


SIMPLE

It is raining outside so take an umbrella.

CONTEXTUAL

We had to cancel the picnic because it started raining heavily just as we arrived at the park.

COMPLEX

While the forecast predicted clear skies, it began raining steadily by noon, soaking the dry earth and providing much-needed relief to the local farmers.

Synonyms
Usage

Usually occurs with the impersonal pronoun 'it' as the subject.

Pitfall

It is rain today.It is raining today.Learners often use the noun 'rain' when the continuous verb form 'raining' is required to describe current weather.

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